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Everything You Need To Know About The Great Netflix Password Sharing Crackdown [Explainer]

Netflix announced in December 2022 that it would put an end to password sharing, an occurrence it had looked away at for years, and it would begin to ask people who share accounts outside their household to pay an extra fee. The news has gathered momentum from users of the streaming service all over the world, with many kicking against it and others saying it’s a long overdue decision.

A user made a cryptic post on a tweet Netflix made in 2017 stating its disapproval. The initial tweet from Netflix read, “Love is sharing passwords.” The user went ahead to quote the tweet, saying “The love wasn’t forever, apparently.”

Amidst so many opinions on social media about the password-sharing crackdown, Netflix has taken steps to implement the resolution stating the reasons for the clampdown and how the newly added fee would work.

Here is everything you need to know about Netflix’s great password-sharing crackdown.

Why is Netflix putting an end to password sharing?

According to Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, an estimate of over 100 million households worldwide are using shared accounts, which has led to a loss in subscribers, and cracking down on password sharing would be a “big opportunity” for revenue growth.

Netflix also added on its About page explaining further, “We’ve always made it easy for people who live together to share their Netflix account, with features like separate profiles and multiple streams in our Standard and Premium plans. While these have been hugely popular, they have also created some confusion about when and how Netflix can be shared. As a result, accounts are being shared between households, impacting our ability to invest in great new TV shows and films for our members.”

How would the password-sharing fee work?

Netflix has been experimenting with add-on fees in several Latin American countries, charging an additional $3. In these countries, the primary account holder is required to give a verification code to anybody attempting to access the account from outside the household.

Netflix will use IP addresses, device IDs, and account activity to enforce its password-sharing policies. Subaccounts for up to two non-family members may be added by members of the Standard and Premium plans at a reduced fee of 2,380 CLP in Chile, 2.99 USD in Costa Rica, and 7.9 PEN in Peru.

When will Netflix start its crackdown?

Although the section that explains the new password-sharing policy on the Netflix official page indicates that it would begin the policy on March 16, 2023, it’s quite uncertain if a global clampdown will start on that date as the company said last month that full, global rollout will probably take a couple of quarters. It also didn’t state which countries will be first. “We’re ready to roll those out later this quarter. We’ll stagger that a bit as we work through sets of countries,” Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters said last month, referring to the first quarter of 2023. “But we’ll see that happen over the next couple of quarters,” he stated.

Did Netflix accidentally post the password-sharing guidelines?

Netflix posted a set of guidelines being tested in Peru, Costa Rica, and Chile across its help center pages including in the US on Wednesday, but had since been taken down saying it was a mistake. Although several people went ahead to argue that it wasn’t, Netflix asserted that it was accidental stating: “For a brief time yesterday, a help center article containing information that is only applicable to Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru went live in other countries. We have since updated it.”

What does Netflix’s password-sharing crackdown mean for communities and creators?

For a lot of people, password sharing was a way to give their friends and families the opportunity of watching the listed movies on Netflix without having to pay the required fees. It had a way of boosting communities as persons shared passwords with their loved ones. However, the clampdown would mean that people would have to stop giving their passwords out denying persons who can’t afford the fees the privilege to stream movies. It might also see a drop in the number of streamed movies which would affect creators the likes of screenwriters and producers who earned more revenue and recognition from the number of streams their movies got.

7 New Movies Released on Netflix this Past February 2023

You (Season 4)

Release date: February 9th

Fans of American psychological drama, You should sit tight and get ready as the critically acclaimed Netflix series premieres a new season on February 9.

The first season follows the story of Joe Goldberg, a bookstore manager in New York, who upon meeting Guinevere Beck, an aspiring writer, becomes infatuated with her and stocks her using social media and other technology blocking her love interests as well as her best friend. The last season showed Joe Goldberg’s complicated relationship with his Love, who is pregnant with his child in a new suburban home.

At Netlix’s Tudum event, it was confirmed that Joe has taken on a new alter ego in season 4 pretending to be a college professor named Jonathan Moore.

You season 4 will be broken into two parts, with part 1 debuting on Feb. 9, 2023, and part 2 coming out on March 9, 2023. The new season casts Penn Badgley, Victoria Pedretti, Tati Gabrielle, and Amy Leigh.

Your Place or Mine

Release date: February 10th

Your Place or Mine is an upcoming American romantic comedy written and directed by Aline Brosh Mckenna in her directional debut. The movie follows the story of two distant best friends played by Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher who decided to swap houses for a while and experience each other’s lives. One decides to volunteer to keep an eye on her teenage son as the other pursues her life long career. Romantic comedies are a fan favorite because of the relaxing feeling they give and their ability to make you crack your nerves hence this movie is a must-watch and you should turn on your notifications.

In Love All Over Again

Release Date: February 14th

Just in time for Valentine’s day is a new romantic series titled In Love All Over Again.

In the year 2003, Irene a young film student is preparing a short film. While she looks for people to star in it, she meets Julio who she quickly falls in love with, But, time and life take them down other parts making them fall in love, splitting, and starting again. Will they ever find their happy ending? That’s yours to find out.

The trailer shows the duo navigating their different lives and family as they struggle to keep their seemingly undying love.

The Spanish romantic comedy was created by Carlos Montero starring Georgina Amoros, Franco Masini, and Albert Salazar.

Unlocked

Release Date: February 17th

Coming out on February 17th is a South Korean Sci-fi thriller film directed by Kim Tae-joon in his directional debut and starring popular Korean actors Chun Woo-hee, Im Si-wan, and Kim Hee-won.

The upcoming movie is based on the 2017 novel Sumaho o Otoshita dake by Akira Shiga, which also inspired the Japanese film, Stolen Identity.

In this thriller, an ordinary office worker loses her smartphone containing all her personal information and begins to face threats in her daily life.

Netflix started the year strong with its big new sci-fi movie Jung E and hopes to carry on the Korean movie momentum in February 2023 with Unlocked.

A Girl and An Astronaut 

Release Date: February 17th

Netflix will also be releasing a new Sci-fi drama and romantic series this February titled A Girl and an Astronaut An astronaut’s return after a 30-year disappearance rekindles a lost love and sparks interest from a corporation determined to learn why he hasn’t aged. The cast lineups are Vanessa Aleksander, Magdalena Boczarska, Magdalena  Cielecka, Anna Cieslak, and Andrzej Chyra.

The series is directed by Bartosz Prokopowicz and written by Agatha Malensinska.

The Strays

Release Date: February 22nd

If you are a lover of horror movies then get prepared to catch all your thrills on The Strays.

Neve, leads an idyllic life in the suburbs with her loving family, and works a fulfilling job at a private school. But when she begins to notice a strange man and woman appear unexpectedly at odd moments, she starts to doubt her sanity. Of course, she turns to her family and friends for assistance, but Neve is helpless when they hesitate to believe her.

Producing the feature are Tristan Goligher and Valentina Brazzini who represent the production studio The Bureau. The movie casts includes Ashley Madekwe of The Umbrella Academy, Bukky Bakray, Jorden Myrie, Justin Salinger, Samuel Small, and Maria Almeida.

We Have a Ghost

Release Date: February 24th

Coming from the directors of Freaky (2020) and Happy Death Day 2U (2019) is another comedy but this time in form of a family horror movie based on the 2017 short story Ernest by Geoff Manugh. A family gains overnight attention in the public eye after their son Kevin creates a Youtube channel documenting the journey of how his family tries to find a ghost named ‘Ernest’ as they settle down in their haunted new home.

David Harbour plays the role of the ghost while the rest of the cast is rounded up by Jennifer Coolidge, Anthony Mackie, Jahi Di’Allo Winston, and Tig Notaro. The trailer of the movie suggests it would be fun however you might want to see for yourself when it eventually drops.

Here is a First Look of Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn in “Joker: Folie à Deux

In June last year, it was confirmed that pop star and fashion sensation, Lady Gaga would play Harley Quinn in the new movie “Joker: Folie à Deux” the sequel to Todd Phillips’ 2019 film Joker. Gaga has now revealed a first-look image ahead of the film’s release date.

In the image which was shared on Instagram by Lady Gaga and the director of the movie Todd Phillips, she appears to be infatuated with the Phoenix’s Joker in a close-up shot. The caption of the image reads “Happy Valentine’s Day” on Phillip’s Instagram page while Gaga’s only comment was the sequel’s title. “Folie à Deux” and a joker’s hat emoji.

In the movie, Lady Gaga, 36, plays Harley Quinn, the Joker’s longstanding henchwoman and love interest who he first met while she worked as his psychiatrist at Gotham City’s Arkham Asylum. Joaquin Phoenix 48, replays his iconic role as the legendary Batman Villain.

The character was first created for the popular 1992 Saturday morning cartoon Batman: The Animated Series and quickly became a fan favorite, crossing over from TV screens to comic book pages. Margot Robbie brought the role to life first, playing Harley in 2016’s Suicide Squad and its 2021 sequel as well as the character’s spinoff movie, Birds of Prey (2020).

Speaking on Lady Gaga taking up the role of Harley Quinn Robbie said: “It makes me so happy because I said from the very beginning, all I want is for Harley Quinn to be one of those characters, the way like Macbeth or Batman always gets passed from great actor to great actor,” Robbie told MTV News in October 2022.”

“It’s such an honor to have built a foundation strong enough that Harley can now be one of those characters that other actors get to have a go at playing. I think she’ll do something incredible with it,” she added.

The first “Joker” from Phillips was a critical and financial success in 2019, becoming the most successful R-rated movie ever. It took home the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and competed fiercely for Best Actor at the Oscars, getting 11 nods for Joaquin Phoenix’s depiction of Arthur Fleck (aka Joker). Hildur Gunadóttir received numerous honors for her score, most notably the Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media in addition to the Oscar and Golden Globe Awards for Best Original Score. 

Lady Gaga has also worked with Todd Phillips on her starring role in “A Star Is Born,” which Phillips produced. 

“Joker: Folie à Deux” is currently set for an October 4, 2024, theatrical release via Warner Bros.

DMX’s Daughter Will Be Raising Awareness on Fentanyl Drug Addiction

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The daughter of late American rapper DMX, Sonovah Hillman Jr is doing her own part to heal the world as she prepares to release a new docuseries to raise awareness and tackle Fentanyl drug addiction.

According to reports, the 10-year-old is slated to drop a four-part docuseries to bring awareness to drug addiction and the deadly substance fentanyl, which has caused countless overdose deaths in the U.S. over the past decade.

Sonovah who lost her lost her aunt and uncle fo fentanyl addiction and her dad to a drug overdose first made public her intention with a GOFUNDme campaign last month. “Hello, my name is Sonovah Hillman Jr. I’m a 10-year-old who has lost multiple family members to fentanyl and drug addiction. I felt like I had to do something to help this crisis,” her message began. “I came up with the idea to do a four-part docuseries on fentanyl and drug addiction. I want to show the world the point of view from a child’s perspective. I know that others are going through some of the same things. I want to reach out and ask for assistance with some of the production costs to get started. These funds will be used for pre and post-production. All donations are greatly appreciated and will help me get closer to my goal of educating, spreading awareness, and saving lives,” she said in the Youtube video.

The rap legend’s daughter also confirmed that after her father’s death, she began watching where he discusses his problems noting that he said on one occasion that he was tired of lying to himself thinking he could do it on his own. Hillman also stated that she wanted to talk to other kids whose parents died of an overdose or are still currently using and she intends to help others resolve trauma as well as help those suffering to get clean and stay clean and has attended a 10-week program held by Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) to gain broader education on the topic.

According to SDC, “fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S.”

Black History Month: How you can Celebrate This February

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Every February, Black History Month is observed to recognize, celebrate and honor the culture, and contributions of Black Americans throughout history

The Black History Month celebration dates back to the early 20th century, when Carter G. Woodson, a historian, and author, started “Negro History Week” in 1926. In 1976, this week was expanded to a month-long celebration and was officially recognized as Black History Month.

This year, as we celebrate Black History Month, it is important to acknowledge the significant impact that Black Americans have had on our society. From politics and science to art and culture, Black Americans have made significant contributions to our country. But it is also important to recognize that Black Americans have faced significant challenges throughout history, including discrimination, racism, and systemic oppression. The observance of Black History Month is a time to honor these struggles and to work towards a more just and equitable society.

In this article, we will explore seven ways that people can celebrate Black History Month, both individually and as a community.

Educate Yourself

Take the time to learn about Black history and the contributions of Black Americans in various fields, such as science, politics, art, and culture. Some many online resources and documentaries can help you learn more about Black history. You can also read books written by Black authors, attend virtual seminars and lectures, or visit a museum that celebrates Black history. By educating yourself, you can gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the struggles, challenges, and triumphs of Black Americans throughout history.

One of the best ways to educate yourself on Black history is to read books written by Black authors. Some great examples include “The Souls of Black Folk” by W.E.B. Du Bois, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” by Malcolm X and Alex Haley, and “Beloved” by Toni Morrison. You can also attend virtual seminars and lectures to learn about Black history from experts in the field. Many museums also offer virtual tours and exhibits that highlight the contributions of Black Americans throughout history.

Celebrate Black Music

Music has always played a significant role in Black culture, and celebrating Black History Month through music is a great way to honor the contributions of Black artists. Black music has had a significant impact on American culture and has influenced many genres of music, including jazz, blues, rock and roll, hip-hop, and R&B.

One way to celebrate Black music his month is to listen to music created by Black artists. You can create a playlist of songs from different eras and genres, or focus on a specific artist or album. For example, you might choose to listen to “To Pimp a Butterfly” by Kendrick Lamar, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” by Lauryn Hill, or “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye.

You can also attend virtual concerts or music events that celebrate Black music. Many musicians and performers are hosting virtual events in honor of Black History Month, and these events provide a great opportunity to support Black artists and learn more about the history and culture of Black music.

Watch Black Films and TV Shows:

Black films and TV shows are a great way to celebrate Black History Month. By watching films and shows that celebrate Black culture and history, you can gain a deeper understanding of the Black experience. You can watch classic films like “The Color Purple,” “Roots,” or “Do The Right Thing,” or watch modern shows like “Atlanta,” “Insecure,” or “Queen Sugar.” Watching Black films and TV shows is a great way to appreciate the art and culture of Black Americans. 

black history month graphic
Getty Images

Support Black Art and Literature

Black art and literature are powerful mediums that have been used to tell the stories of Black Americans throughout history. By supporting Black artists and authors, you can celebrate Black history and culture while also supporting the creative work of Black artists.

There are many ways to support Black art and literature during Black History Month. You can read books written by Black authors, attend virtual art exhibitions, or purchase artwork created by Black artists. For example, you might choose to read “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett, “The Water Dancer” by Ta-Nehisi Coates, or “Beloved” by Toni Morrison.

You can also visit virtual art exhibitions or galleries that showcase the work of Black artists.

Support Black-Owned Businesses

Another way to celebrate is to support Black-owned businesses. Many Black-owned businesses have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and could use your support. You can buy products from Black-owned businesses, order takeout or delivery from Black-owned restaurants, or use services from Black-owned companies. Supporting Black-owned businesses is a great way to show your appreciation for the contributions of Black Americans to the economy.

Volunteer for Black Community Organizations

 Many community organizations work to support and uplift the Black community. By volunteering your time, skills, and resources to these organizations, you can make a positive impact on the lives of Black Americans. You can volunteer for organizations that provide educational and career opportunities to Black youth, support Black women entrepreneurs or advocate for social justice and equality.

Some examples of Black community organizations that you can volunteer for include the Boys and Girls Club, Black Girls Code, and the National Urban League. You can also check with your local community center or church to find Black community organizations in your area.

Have Honest Conversations About Race

Finally, one of the best ways to celebrate Black History Month is to have honest conversations about race. By engaging in open and honest discussions about race and racism, you can gain a better understanding of the experiences and perspectives of Black Americans. You can have these conversations with family, friends, coworkers, or community members. The key is to approach the conversation with empathy, respect, and a willingness to listen and learn.

How Did Black History Month Begin?

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As part of our Black History Month article series, we’re kickstarting our celebration with a brief history of how Black History Month began

Black History Month celebrates the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. It is a time to remember the struggles and triumphs of a people who have overcome adversity and discrimination to play a significant role in shaping the course of America.

The origins of Black History Month can be traced back to 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson created ‘Negro History Week.’

Woodson was a history buff who wanted to give some love to the often-neglected stories of Black folk. He felt the tales of African Americans’ trials, triumphs, and contributions were being swept under the rug and forgotten. Woodson was the second African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University,

He chose the week of February 12th to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two figures who played a significant role in African American history.

Woodson, along with minister Jesse E. Moorland, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), which is today known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)

Over the years, “Negro History Week” became increasingly popular, and in 1976, it was expanded to a month-long observance and renamed Black History Month. 

The month of February was chosen because of its historical significance as the birthplace of many African American leaders, including Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. Du Bois.

Black History Month has faced challenges and criticism despite its recognition and popularity. Some argue that it is not enough to set aside one month of the year to celebrate African Americans’ contributions and that African Americans’ achievements should be celebrated and recognized all year round. 

From here onwards, Black History Month spread to other countries on the following dates:

United Kingdom – 1987

Germany – 1990

Canada – 1995

Republic of Ireland – 2010

France – 2018

Africa – 2020

Others argue that Black History Month reinforces the notion of segregation and perpetuates the idea of ‘otherness.’

Despite these criticisms, Black History Month remains an important observance. It provides an opportunity for people to learn about African Americans’ history and achievements and reflect on the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

It’s a time to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to society and recognize their important role in shaping America.

NLE Choppa Unveils Plan to Launch #SkateforTyre

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NLE Choppa is one celebrity who has not kept quiet over the killing of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols

In response to the news of Tyre Nichols’ passing, NLE Choppa led a peaceful protest on January 28th in his hometown Memphis (the place where the tragic incident took place). And, in a recent interview with TMZ, the Shotta Flow hitmaker disclosed his plans to launch a #SkateforTyre foundation in honor of Tyre Nichols and to support his family. Tyre Nichols was brutally beaten by five black Memphis policemen on January 7th, 2023 leading to his death.

According to NLE Choppa, he had never skated before the #SkateForTyre protest but the painful murder of Tyre Nichol and his love for skateboarding has not only made him decide to commit to the sport as a hobby but also start a foundation that would help generate revenue for the deceased’s family.

l still got the skateboard, the one I was using for the protest, and even the two days after the protest I skated each of those days so for sure it’s a hobby I picked up,” Choppa said. “Every time I skate, I’m gonna remember bro and always put on for him and that I just appreciate him.”

NLE Choppa at protest held in Tyre Nichols' name
NLE Choppa at the protest © ABC24

While leading the peaceful protest NLE Choppa had earlier expressed: “Today, I felt it on my heart to turn a negative situation to a positive. I actually went to sleep dwelling on how I could wake up today and do that,” he said in a video posted to social media “I just want to skate for Tyre in respect to him and know that’s how he would have wanted everybody to act.”

He also shared a picture of the protest held in Tyre Nichols’ name on his Twitter with the caption: “Thank You, God, Please Keep Using Me, I SURRENDER !! #SkateForTyre #JusticeforTyreNichols ✊🏾🕊️🤲”

The late Tyre Nichols was a 29-year-old Memphis resident and FedEx worker who was passionate about skateboarding and photography. The body cam and surveillance video of his altercation with the police which eventually led to his death have made rounds on social media and gained attention from other celebrities like Ciara, Ari Lennox, Justin Timberlake, and Viola Davis as well as former President Barrack Obama as they kicked against police brutality.

5 Nigerian Women Who Have Won A Grammy Award

Nigerian singer and songstress Temilade Owoniyi who goes by the stage name “Tems” bagged home a Grammy award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her contribution to the hit collaboration “Wait For U” with Future and Drake. The singer who was also nominated for Best Rap Song in the aforementioned song and Album of The Year as a featured artist on Beyonce’s “Renaissance” has been praised by fans and music enthusiasts as the first Nigerian woman to take home a Grammy award.

While Tem’s victory is a major win for the Nigerian music industry and its globally recognized Afrobeats genre, for proper documentation of music history, it is important to note that the “Mr Rebel” crooner is not the first Nigerian woman to earn a Grammy award. Although not as popular and profound as Tems win, some other Nigerian women have equally worked the road and attained the Grammy nod.

Here are some Nigerian female artists that have won Grammy Awards.

Sade Adu

If you are a millennial born in Nigeria, you must have probably grown up with your parents listening to Sade Adu’s records. The Sweetest Taboo was the most popular of them all. Sade Adu was the first Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy award having received an award for Best New Artist in 1986 and having 3 other Grammy wins to her name: Best R&B Performance by a duo or group with her vocals in 1994 for the song “No Ordinary Love,” Best Pop Vocal Album, with the song “Lovers Rock” in 2002 and an award for the Best R&B Performance by a group with vocals in 2011 for “Soldier of Love.”

Even though many believe that Sade Adu doesn’t identify as a Nigerian woman but a British woman, she was born in Ibadan to a Nigerian Professor and an English nurse in 1959 and moved to Sussex, England at the age of four after her parents divorced.

Cynthia Erivo

In recognition of her work in the Broadway show “The Color Purple,” where she played Celie, British-Nigerian singer-songwriter Cynthia Erivo won the Best Musical Theater Album Grammy at the 2017 Grammy Awards. In the Broadway show, Cynthia portrays Celie. The show earned her a 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a musical as well.

Although the Broadway actress who goes by the full name Cynthia Chinasaokwu Erivo wasn’t born or bred in Nigeria she is of Nigerian descent born to Nigerian parents in London, in 1987. The Grammy star is also one step away from EGOT status (someone who has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony).

Yemi Alade

NOTE: She didn’t get the Grammy “gong” but was awarded a certificate for her contributions to Angelique Kidjo’s Mother Nature album.

Mama Africa as she is fondly called by fans in some parts of Africa has also earned a Grammy nod. Although, not as profound as the others, Yemi Alade earned a Grammy award certificate for featuring in the lead single of Angelique Kidjo’s Mother Nature Album which took home the Grammy for Best Global Album at the 2022 Grammy awards. The “Johnny” crooner gave a shout-out to Angelina Kidjo during her speech for including her on the album.

Niniola

Nigerian Afrobeats singer and musician, Niniola Apata got a Grammy award certificate similar to that of Yemi Alade as a composer on Beyonce’s Grammy Award-winning album, ‘The Lion King‘. She received a Grammy award certificate for the album’s win in two categories: “Best Pop Vocal Album” and “Best Music Film”.

Tems

Tems } Photo credit: @bettencourt / dunsinwright
Tems } Photo credit: @bettencourt / dunsinwright

Tems is the most recent and the most talked about Nigerian female Grammy award-winning artist so it’s only proper that we put her name last. Tems received an award for Best Global Music album for her contribution to “Wait For U”.

Tems was born and bred in Nigeria and has no link to any other nationality little wonder that there was a consensus that she was the first Nigerian female Grammy award winner. Tem’s rise to global fame began with her feature in Wizkid’s Essence from his 2020 Made in Lagos album. Since then, she’s worked with various international acts like Drake, Beyonce, Rihanna, and Brent Faiyas earning herself a Grammy award which has brought wide celebration amongst Nigerians in the diaspora.

Here’s Why We’re Thrilled by Rihanna’s Super Bowl Performance

Rihanna announced last year that she will be making a comeback at this year’s Super Bowl and fans of the rock star went buzzing in exhilaration. The singer last performed at the 2018 Grammy awards and only released new music last year with the Wakanda Forever soundtrack “Lift Me Up” after a five-year music hiatus since her collaboration with DJ Khaled on “Wild Thoughts” and had instead gone ahead to launch her Fenty brand in 2017 and concentrate on being a fashion Tycoon and a mother to her 9 months old son she had with A$AP Rocky in May 2022.

It was only normal that lovers of the Fenty boss and the music industry at large were thrilled to see the “Diamonds” crooner perform. However, as most stage appearances from entertainers who have taken a break from the industry usually turn out, the singer came with lots of surprises to the Super Bowl LVII which took place on Sunday, February 12 and one stood out of all.

Below are some things that have left us thrilled about Rihanna’s much-anticipated Super Bowl performance.

Rihanna brought ‘Someone’ to her Super Bowl performance

 In an interview last week, the Bajan singer was asked if there would be any surprises during her performance at Arizona’s State Farm Stadium. “I’m thinking about bringing someone,” she replied. “I’m not sure, we’ll see.”

Naturally, fans assumed she was talking about one of the many artists she’s collaborated with during her illustrious career. Probably, a guest appearance from Jay-Z, Drake, or Eminem seemed both likely and in keeping with the half-time show tradition of surprise duets. Little did we know, that the mother of one was hinting about a new human on the way. Clad beautifully in a baggy scarlet jumpsuit made by Loewe, Rihanna took to the stage in front of a global audience of millions at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona with a protruded tummy appearing like a baby bump leaving her fans in hysteria guessing if the Barbados singer was expecting baby number two. While the news of her baby bump went viral on social media, a representative of the star confirmed to People and The Hollywood Reporter that she indeed was expecting a baby.
 
The Grammy winner said she first thought twice about performing at the Super Bowl but motherhood ultimately inspired her to perform at the big game. “I was like, ‘You sure? I’m three months postpartum. Should I be making major decisions like this right now? I might regret this,’” she said. “When you become a mom, there’s something that just happens where you feel like you could take on the world — you can do anything,” she added. “And the Super Bowl is one of the biggest stages in the world, so as scary as that was … there’s something exhilarating about the challenge of it all,” she said. “It’s important for my son to see that.”

Rihanna’s made an electrifying performance of her discography

Having waited for the Fenty queen to perform for so long, fans had made a mental list of their favorite songs of hers they wanted to see her perform. Per usual, Rihanna didn’t come to slack. She appeared on one of the several floating platforms which soared high above the crowd, as a swarm of energetic dancers, all dressed in white, gathered below singing “BBHMM” with the audience screaming atop their voices not expecting her to start with one of her recent hits considering it was a free show.

The singer rattled through several recognizable hits, front-loading her set with some of her most danceable and up-tempo numbers including “Only Girl (In The World)” and the magnificent “Where Have You Been”. She went ahead to perform a huge number of hits into a tight 14-minute set, only performing the first verse or chorus of certain songs. But monster hits such as “Rude Boy” were balanced with the somewhat harder-edged and lesser-known “Pour It Up”.

Speaking on how she was to fit her 18-year catalog into a 13-minute set ao appropriately Rihanna said. “The setlist was the biggest challenge. That was the hardest part — deciding how to maximize 13 minutes, but also celebrate. That’s what the show’s going to be — it’s going to be a celebration of my catalog in the best way,” she said. “I think we did a pretty good job at narrowing it down.” 

Rihanna found a way to plug her brand into the performance

A business tycoon knows the right place and moment to make a subtle statement for her brand and Rihanna wasn’t going to let go of this opportunity. Mid-performance, Rihanna took out time for a quick makeup touch-up using her Fenty Beauty cosmetic brand which was one of the viral moments of her performance.  

She also keyed into the annual joke of the culture clash between pop music and sports fans. Ahead of the show, her clothing label manufactured T-shirts with the slogan: “Rihanna concert interrupted by a football game. Weird but whatever.” Model Cara Delevingne was among the attendees who sported wearing one on Sunday.

Disappointments or probably not?

Somewhat disappointingly, the setlist took advantage of some of her best-known collaborations without any of her collaborators joining her on stage. As she performed “Run This Town”, “All of the Lights”, and “Wild Thoughts”, there were no appearances from Jay-Z, Ye (Kanye West), or DJ Khaled, who normally feature on those tracks. To make up for this we could probably say Rihanna gave us a guest appearance with her incoming baby which had already left everyone whispering and excited.

Also, some fans admitted to a tinge of disappointment that the singer being pregnant would likely mean yet another delay to Rihanna’s much-anticipated ninth studio album. Even with this, the majority of her fans were joyful and went to social media to congratulate her and the father of the baby, A$AP Rocky.

Lastly, for reasons unknown Rihanna chose not to perform her most recent song, “Lift Me Up” from the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack album.

A Black History Tribute- Timeline of African American Hairstyles

African American hairstyles are a form of cultural expression; as such, they evolve as time progresses. Here’s a timeline of popular African American hairstyles in the U.S. since the ’40s:

The Conk – 1940s-1960s 

The “conk” was a popular style among African American men during this period, which involved using a strong chemical relaxer to straighten the hair.

The Afro – 1960s-1970s: 

The “Afro” symbolized black pride and political activism during the Civil Rights Movement. This style involved letting the natural curls and coils grow into a full and rounded shape.

The Afro hairstyle was seen as a way to reject Eurocentric beauty standards and embrace a unique, African-inspired aesthetic.

At the time, many African Americans were rejecting the use of relaxers and other chemical treatments that straightened their hair, instead letting their natural curls and coils grow into a full and rounded shape. This was seen as a political statement and a way to embrace their African heritage and cultural identity.

In addition to being a symbol of pride, the Afro was also a practical choice for many African Americans who were participating in the Civil Rights Movement. With their Afro hairstyles, they could easily spot one another in a crowd, which was useful for organizing protests and demonstrations.

Overall, the Afro hairstyle continues to be a cultural touchstone for African Americans today.

The Jheri Curl – 1980s-1990s 

The “Jheri curl” was a popular hairstyle during this period, which involved using a perm solution to create loose, defined curls.

In the 1980s, the Jheri curl was seen as a symbol of Black pride and a rejection of mainstream beauty standards that emphasized straight hair.

Black women who sported the Jheri curl often styled it in unique and creative ways, including wearing it long and loose, or in up-dos, braids, and other styles that showcased their individuality.

The Cornrow 1980s-2000s 

The “Cornrow” braids became a popular style during this time, which involved braiding the hair close to the scalp in a variety of patterns and designs.

They have been traditionally used as a way to keep hair neat, tidy, and out of the way, as well as to express cultural identity.

The Fade – 1990s-2000s: 

The “Fade” haircut was popular among African American men, which involved a gradual reduction in hair length from the top of the head to the nape of the neck.

Natural Hair – 2000s-Present 

The “Natural” movement, which promotes embracing one’s natural hair texture, has gained popularity recently, with styles such as twist-outs, wash-and-gos, and bantu knots becoming popular.

These hairstyles have not only been a form of self-expression and cultural identity for African Americans, but they have also played a significant role in shaping beauty standards and fashion trends.